Obituary: Harold Leon Goetz

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Turpin Funeral Home with burial following in Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart.

Harold Leon Goetz, 90, of Stuttgart died Saturday, March 9, 2013. He was born Nov. 13, 1922, in Stuttgart to Carl and Ena Frey Goetz.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Goetz; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Snotzmeier.

Survivors are his wife of 65 years, Mae Ree Harris Goetz; their son and his wife, Randy and Becky Elslander Goetz of Stuttgart; and two sisters, Ruth Goetz Snotzmeier of Stuttgart and Phyllis Goetz Wittman and husband Max of Hot Springs. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Becky Harris of Conway and June (Ray) Wilson of Mesa, Ariz.; brothers-in-law, John Joe (Karen) Harris of Sun City, Ariz., and Doug Gardner of Hawaii; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graduate of Stuttgart High School, he was a member of Farm Bureau, Arkansas County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and charter member of Lodge Corner United Methodist Church.

Harold farmed for 56 years, retiring in 1996. When he was near retirement age, his son asked him what he was going to do and he said he was going to take up farming as a hobby. He farmed for another 12 years.

After retirement, Harold and Mae Ree enjoyed going to dances and made many new friends. They also enjoyed going to Farm Bureau conventions for many years. Harold was active in Farm Bureau until his death and was always concerned for the well being of the farming industry. He epitomized the tradition of the hard-working rice farmer to the fullest.

Harold was very caring, giving and patient. He didn’t miss a day going to Crestpark to be with his wife. He always did the best to take care of his family.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 11, at Turpin Funeral Home in Stuttgart.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Turpin Funeral Home with burial following in Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart.